Changes in cytokine profile during local IL-2 therapy in cancer patients.

Background: Exogenous interleukin 2 (IL-2) can influence the complex cytokine network in vivo. This study investigated the cytokine profile of patients with different malignancies before and after local IL-2 administration.

Patients And Methods: The human TH1 / TH2 cytometric bead array (CBA) kit was used to investigate IL-2, IFNgamma, TNFalpha, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 in a control group and in 13 patients.

Hepatitis C virus infection: a possible promoting agent in porphyria cutanea tarda.

The study aimed to differentiate the factors triggering porphyria cutanea tarda, paying special attention to the presumed role of hepatitis C virus infection. In a representative Bulgarian contingent, HCV-antibodies were identified using ELISA II and immunoblot. Seropositivity was significantly higher (p < 0.